Detangling device, method of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

Described herein are axially and radially swivelable detangling connector devices that are suitable for preventing entanglement, or detangling, of a device or means that is used to secure one or more mobile objects or subjects to one or more objects or subjects. Methods of making and using the disclosed devices are also provided herein.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/183,332, filed Jul. 14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,353, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to connector devices thatare suitable for preventing the entanglement of other devices or meansused to secure or restrain a mobile object or subject.

BACKGROUND

In many commercial and domestic settings, it is necessary to secure amobile object or subject to another object or subject. For example itmay be necessary to secure a boat to a dock or secure a pet to an owner,etc. In many such circumstances, the means of securing one object orsubject to another involves a device (i.e., rope, leash, wires, etc.)that, through the motion of the object or subject being controlled,becomes entangled. Entanglement limits the control over the object orsubject and may be harmful to the object or subject being controlled orthe object or subject to which it is anchored. Leashes, for example, arecommonly used to provide an owner with the ability to control orrestrain a pet while still allowing a sufficient degree of freedom ofmovement for the pet and the owner. Such desired balance may be thwartedby the entanglement of the leash. A similar balance may be desired inmany other commercial or domestic applications where entanglement wouldbe problematic.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a detanglingconnector device that is suitable for preventing entanglement of, or fordetangling, a means used for restraining a mobile object or subject.

In a first embodiment an axially and radially swivelable detanglingconnector device is provided. The device comprises a detanglingconnector which comprises a distal end and a proximal end defining atleast one proximal opening extending from the proximal end towards thedistal end. The device further comprises a looped connector having atleast two ends where the two ends are housed and secured within the atleast one proximal opening defined by the proximal end of the detanglingconnector such that a loop is formed adjacent to the proximal end of thedetangling connector. The device further comprises an endcap defining afirst opening for receiving and housing the distal end of the detanglingconnector such that the detangling connector is radially and axiallyswivelable within the detangling connector.

In another embodiment, the detangling connector further comprises atleast one distal opening defined by the distal end that extends from thedistal end towards the proximal end. and a common conduit connecting theat least one distal opening in the distal end with the at least oneproximal opening in the proximal end.

In another embodiment, the detangling connector includes at least onedistal opening defined by the distal end, at least two proximal openingsdefined by the proximal end, and a common conduit connecting the distalopening with the proximal openings such that the ends of the loopedconnector are housed and secured within the distal and proximal openingsof the detangling connector.

In another embodiment, the detangling connector includes at least twodistal openings defined by the distal end, at least two proximalopenings defined by the proximal end and a common conduit connecting thedistal opening with the proximal openings such that the ends of thelooped connector are housed and secured within the distal and proximalopenings of the detangling connector.

In another embodiment, the diameter of the at least one distal openingin the distal end of the detangling connector is larger than thediameter of the at least one proximal opening in the proximal end of thedetangling connector.

In another embodiment, the ends of the looped connector are securedwithin the openings defined by the detangling connector by reducing thediameter of at least one opening around the ends of the loopedconnector.

In another embodiment, the ends of the looped connector are affixedeither individually or in combination, with a cable stop such that theloose ends of the looped connector may not be pulled through theopenings in the proximal end of the detangling connector.

In another embodiment, the detangling connector includes male and femalepin-snaps for securing the detangling connector around the ends of thelooped connector.

In another embodiment, the detangling connector comprises aluminum,steel, plastic or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the detangling connector is a spheroidally shapedconnector.

In another embodiment, the endcap further includes a handle or a secondopening defined by the endcap for receiving and securing an end portionof an entangleable connector.

In another embodiment, an axially and radially swivelable detanglingconnector device is provided. The device comprises a spheroidally shapedconnector. The device also comprises two proximal openings defined bythe proximal end of the spheroidally shaped connector and extendingtowards a distal end of the spheroidally shaped connector. The devicealso comprises two distal openings defined by the distal end of thespheroidally shaped connector and extending towards the proximal end ofthe spheroidally shaped connector. The device further comprises a commonconduit connecting the distal and proximal openings. The device alsocomprises a looped connector having two ends, the two ends being housedand secured within the proximal and distal openings of the spheroidallyshaped connector such that a loop is formed adjacent to the proximal endof the spheroidally shaped connector. The device also comprises anendcap which itself comprises a first opening for receiving and housinga distal end of the spheroidally shaped connector. The endcap alsocomprises a handle or a second opening defined by the endcap forreceiving and securing an end portion of a leash.

In a second aspect, the present invention is further directed to amethod of preparing a detangling connector device that is suitable forpreventing entanglement of, or for detangling, a means used forrestraining a mobile object or subject.

In a first embodiment, a method of preparing an axially and radiallyswivelable detangling connector device is provided. The method comprisesthe step of providing a detangling connector having distal openingsdefined by a distal end of the detangling connector, proximal openingsdefined by a proximal end of the detangling connector and a commonconduit connecting the proximal and distal openings. The method alsocomprises providing a looped connector having at least to ends, andinserting the at least two ends of the looped connector into theproximal openings such that a loop is formed adjacent to the proximalend of the detangling connector. The method also comprises the step ofapplying a fastening means to the detangling connector such that theends of the looped connector are housed and secured within thedetangling connector.

In another embodiment, the fastening means comprises reducing thediameter of the openings, defined by the detangling connector, aroundthe ends of the looped connector.

In another embodiment, the fastening means comprises interlocking maleand female pin-snaps for securing the ends of the looped connector intothe openings defined by the detangling connector.

In another embodiment, the step of providing the detangling connectorhaving openings comprises forming the detangling connector and theopenings defined by the detangling connector by injection molding.

In another embodiment, the step providing the detangling connectorhaving openings comprises forming the detangling connector by injectionmolding and forming the openings defined by the detangling connector bydrilling.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of securingand housing the distal end of the detangling connector into a firstopening defined by the endcap.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method ofusing a detangling connector device, as disclosed herein to prevententanglement of, or to detangle, a means used for restraining a mobileobject or subject.

In a first embodiment, a method of using a detangling connector deviceis provided. The method comprises connecting the looped connector of thedetangling connector device to a means of securing or controlling anobject or subject such and securing the endcap to an entangleableconnector such that entanglement of said entangleable connector isprevented or corrected.

In another embodiment, the means of securing or controlling an object orsubject is a dog collar. In other embodiments, the entangleableconnector is a dog leash.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, objects, features andadvantages of the invention can be more fully understood from thefollowing description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Thefigures and the following description of the figures are meant only toillustrate and in no way limits the claimed invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an axially and radially swivelabledetangling connector device.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a detangling connector with two proximalopenings in the proximal end that extend towards the distal end of thedetangling connector.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a looped connector having two loose ends.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a looped connector whose two loose ends arehoused in the openings of a detangling connector.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a looped connector whose two loose ends arehoused and secured, by the reduction of the detangling connector'sdiameter, in the openings of the detangling connector.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a looped connector wherein the loose ends areindividually affixed to a cable stop.

FIG. 6B is an isometric view of a detangling connector having two distalopenings in the distal end and two proximal openings in the proximalend, wherein the distal openings in the distal end have a wider diameterthan the proximal openings in the proximal end.

FIG. 6C is a side view of a looped connector secured to a detanglingconnector using individual cable stops on each loose end of the loopedconnector.

FIG. 6D is an isometric view of a looped connector secured to adetangling connector using individual cable stops on each loose end ofthe looped connector.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a looped connector secured to a detanglingconnector.

FIG. 7B is an isometric view of the loose ends of a looped connectorbeing housed in the openings of a detangling connector.

FIG. 7C is an isometric view of a detangling connector having a singleproximal opening in the proximal end and two distal openings in thedistal end.

FIG. 7D is a side view of a looped connecter having each loose endindividually affixed to a cable stop.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of the loose ends of a looped connectorhoused within a single proximal opening of a detangling connector havinga single distal opening in the distal end and a single proximal openingin the proximal end.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the loose ends of a looped connectorbeing combined by a single cable stop.

FIG. 8C is an isometric view of a detangling connector having a singleproximal opening in the proximal end and a single, wider distal openingin the distal end.

FIG. 8D is an isometric view of a detangling connector having a singleproximal opening in the proximal end and a single, wider distal openingin the distal end.

FIG. 8E is an isometric exploded view of a detangling connector having asingle proximal opening in the proximal end and a looped connectorhaving a combined cable stop affixed to the loose ends.

FIG. 8F is an isometric view of the loose ends of a looped connectorbeing housed and secured within the single proximal opening in theproximal end of a detangling connector.

FIG. 9A is an isometric exploded view of a detangling connector havingmale and female pin-snaps for securing the detangling connector aroundthe loose ends of a looped connector.

FIG. 9B is an isometric view of a detangling connector housing the looseends of a looped connector and securing the loose ends by interlockingmale and female pin-snaps.

FIG. 9C is a side view of a detangling connector housing the loose endsof a looped connector and securing the loose ends by interlocking maleand female pin-snaps.

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of a detangling connector having distalopenings in a distal end of the detangling connector that extends to theproximal end without forming an enclosed conduit.

FIG. 10B is a top-view of a detangling connector having distal openingsin a distal end of the detangling connector that extends to the proximalend without forming an enclosed conduit.

FIG. 10C is a side right-view of a detangling connector having distalopenings in a distal end of the detangling connector that extends to theproximal end without forming an enclosed conduit.

FIG. 10D is a isometric view of a detangling connector having distalopenings in a distal end of the detangling connector that extends to theproximal end without forming an enclosed conduit.

FIG. 11A is an isometric view of an endcap having a first opening and asecond opening.

FIG. 11B is an side view of an endcap having a first opening and asecond opening.

FIG. 11C is an side view of an endcap having a first opening and asecond opening.

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a looped connector secured to adetangling connector that is itself housed and secured within a firstopening of an endcap.

FIG. 12B is an side view of a looped connector secured to a detanglingconnector that is itself housed and secured within a first opening of anendcap.

FIG. 12C is an side right-view of a looped connector secured to adetangling connector that is itself housed and secured within a firstopening of an endcap.

FIG. 13A is a isometric view of an endcap having a first opening in afirst portion and a handle portion opposite the first portion.

FIG. 13B is a side right-view of an endcap having a first opening in afirst portion and a handle portion opposite the first portion.

FIG. 13C is a top-view of an endcap having a first opening in a firstportion and a handle portion opposite the first portion.

FIG. 14A is a isometric view of a looped connector secured to adetangling connector that is itself housed and secured within a firstopening of an endcap that includes a handle portion.

FIG. 14B is a side right-view of a looped connector secured to adetangling connector that is itself housed and secured within a firstopening of an endcap.

FIG. 14C is a side top-view of a looped connector secured to adetangling connector that is itself housed and secured within a firstopening of an endcap.

FIG. 15 is an axially and radially swivelable detangling connectordevice secured at the looped connector end to a carabiner and attachedto a leash at the second opening of the endcap.

FIG. 16 is an axially and radially swivelable detangling connectordevice secured at the looped connector end to a carabiner and attachedto a leash at the handle portion of the endcap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Device

The present invention provides connector devices and methods of makingand using the same. The devices, which are axially and radiallyswivelable detangling connector devices, include a detangling connector,a looped connector and an endcap. FIG. 1 depicts a device that isexemplary of the devices contemplated herein. In FIG. 1, a radially andaxially swivelable detangling connector device 10 is depicted. Thedevice 10, generally, includes a looped connector 30, a detanglingconnector 20 and an endcap 13. The detangling connector 20, includes adistal end 21 and a proximal end 22. The endcap 13 includes a firstopening 16 and a second opening 17.

The first opening 16 of the endcap 13 is fashioned to house and secureat least a distal end 21 of the detangling connector 20. In certainembodiments, the endcap may be comprised of any metal or plasticmaterial. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to determine thematerial most suitable for the desired application. For example, theendcap 13 may be comprised of aluminum, steel, plastic or anycombination thereof. In certain embodiments, the first opening 16 of theendcap 13 is formed of a rigid material the houses and secures thedetangling connector 20 such that the detangling connector may swivel inan axial or radial direction. In other embodiments, the first opening 16is formed by a less rigid and more malleable material such that thedetangling connector 20 may radially swivel and may also axially swivelby deforming the material which forms the first opening 16.

The second opening 17 of the endcap 13 is fashioned to house and securean end portion of connector that may become tangled. For example, thesecond opening 17 of endcap 13 may be fashioned to house and secure anend portion of an entangleable connector such as a leash, rope, wire, orany other material that may be used to secure one object or subject toanother. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to determinewhich entangleable connector is suitable for a desired application. Theentangleable connector, in some embodiments, is housed in the secondopening 17 of the endcap 13 by simply inserting an end portion of theentangleable connector within the second opening 17. The entangleableconnector, in some embodiments, is secured within the second opening 17of the endcap 13 by a fastening means 18. The fastening means may forinstance include a bolt, screw, pin or other mechanism by which an endportion of an entangleable connector may be held in place within thesecond opening 17 as desired such that when a force is applied by amobile object or subject or by the object or subject to which suchmobile object or subject is anchored, the entangleable connector willnot dislodge. The present invention further contemplates other means bywhich the entangleable connector may be housed and secured within thesecond opening 17 of the endcap 13.

The detangling connector 20, or a distal end 21 thereof, is housed andsecured within the first opening 16 of the endcap 13 such that it isaxially and radially swivelable. The detangling connector 20, in certainembodiments, comprises a plastic or metal and may for instance bealuminum, steel, plastic or any combination thereof. One of ordinaryskill in the art would be able to determine a material of suitablecomposition for a desired application. The present invention thereforecontemplates and includes such desired materials or combinations.

The detangling connector 20, in some embodiments, is a ball joint. Forexample, the detangling connector 20 is circular or in the shape of aball. These shapes allow the detangling connector 20 to swivel axiallyand radially while being housed within the first opening 16 of theendcap 13. In other embodiments, the detangling connector may becylindrical. In such embodiments where the detangling connector 20 iscylindrical in shape, it is preferable that the first opening 16 isformed of a malleable material such that the detangling connector 20 maynot only swivel radially, but also swivel axially by deforming themalleable material. FIG. 2 depicts other embodiments in which thedetangling connector 20 is both cylindrical and spherical. For example,at least one of the distal end 21 and proximal end 22 of the detanglingconnector 20 may be flat while the portion of the detangling connector20 between the distal end 21 and proximal end 22 is spherical in that ithas a wider diameter than the flat portion 23. While it is preferable tohave circular, cylindrical or spherical and cylindrical detanglingconnector, the present invention also contemplates and includes othershapes which may facilitate both the axial and radial swiveling of thedetangling connector 20.

The detangling connector 20 also includes at least one proximal opening24 in the proximal end 22. The at least one proximal opening 24 isformed such that the looped connector 30 may be housed and securedtherein.

It is contemplated that the present invention includes looped connectorshaving two or more loose ends. As such, it is also contemplated that thedetangling connector 20 will also include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10or more openings in the detangling connector for housing and securingthe loose ends of the looped connector to the detangling connector toform a loop from the looped connector adjacent to a proximal end of thedetangling connector. The number of distal openings in the distal end ofthe detangling connector may be more than, less than or the same as thenumber of proximal openings in the proximal end of the detanglingconnector. For instance, the detangling connector may have two distalopenings in the distal end and a single proximal opening in the proximalend. The detangling connector may have two distal openings in the distalend and two proximal openings in the proximal end. The detanglingconnector may have one distal opening in the distal end and two proximalopenings in the proximal end. The detangling connector may have onedistal opening in the distal end and one proximal opening in theproximal end. In some embodiments the detangling connector only hasproximal opening in the proximal end that extend toward the distal endand have zero distal openings in the distal end. The present inventiontherefore includes embodiments wherein the looped connector has a numberof loose ends that corresponds to the number of openings in thedetangling connector.

FIG. 3 depicts a looped connector 30 having at least two loose ends 31,32. The loose ends 31, 32 are inserted into the at least one proximalopening 24 of the detangling connector 20 such that a loop is formed,from the looped connector 30, adjacent to the proximal end 22 of thedetangling connector 20. FIG. 1 depicts looped connector 30 as it formsa loop adjacent to the proximal end 22 of the detangling connector 20.The looped connector 30 may be formed of a flexible material that allowsthe loose ends 31, 32 to be secured to a detangling connector 20 asdepicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 depicts looped connector 30 which may, forexample, be formed of wire cables, PU coated wire cables, polyurethanerope, rubber, or composites of any of these.

FIG. 4 depicts a looped connector 30 that is secured to the detanglingconnector 20 such that a loop is formed adjacent to the proximal end 22of the detangling connector 20. The looped connector 30 is secured tothe detangling connector 20 by housing and securing the loose ends 32,32 of the looped connector 30 into at least one proximal opening 24 ofthe detangling connector 20. To house the loose ends 31, 32, they aresimply inserted into the proximal opening(s) 24 in the proximal end 22of the detangling connector 20. To secure the loose ends 31, 32 of thelooped connector into the proximal opening(s) 24 of the detanglingconnector, a fastening means may be applied to the detangling connector.In some embodiments, the fastening means includes reducing the diameterof the proximal opening(s) 24 around the loose ends 31, 32 such thatthey are secured around the loose ends 31, 32. FIG. 5 depicts thecontrast to FIG. 4, wherein the diameter of the detangling connector isreduced from about 12.0 to about 11.8. The diameter of the detanglingconnector 20 or the diameter of the proximal opening(s) 24 may bereduced or both. It is contemplated and included within the presentinvention that other diameters may be applied both before and afterinserting the loose ends 31, 32 of the looped connector 30 into theproximal opening(s) 24 of the detangling connector.

In some embodiments, the looped connector may be secured to thedetangling connector by means other than reduction of the diameter ofthe detangling connector or reduction of the diameter of the proximalopening(s). In some embodiments, the fastening means for securing thelooped connector to the detangling connector includes at least one cablestop affixed to the loose ends of the looped connector 30. FIG. 6Aprovides an exemplary embodiment wherein the loose ends 31, 32 of thelooped connector 30 are separately affixed with cable stops 61. FIG. 6Bdepicts an exemplary embodiment wherein the detangling connector 20includes two proximal openings 24 in the proximal end 22 of thedetangling connector and two distal openings 71 in the distal end 21 ofthe detangling connector 20. The proximal openings 24 in the proximalend 22 extend from the proximal end 22 towards the distal end 21. Thedistal openings in the distal end 21 extend from the distal end 21towards the proximal end 22. At least one common conduit 72 is formedbetween proximal openings 24 and 71. In some embodiments the loopedconnector 30 is secured to the detangling connector by a fastening meanssuch as cable stop 61 of FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, the loose ends31, 32 of the looped connector 30 are individually inserted into theproximal openings 24 of the detangling connector 20 and passes throughthe common conduit 72 to the distal openings 71 in the distal end 21 ofthe detangling connector 20. A cable stop 61 is affixed to the looseends 31, 32 such that the loose ends cannot be dragged through theproximal openings 24 in the proximal end 22 of the detangling connector20. The cable stop 61 creates a diameter around the loose ends 31, 32that is larger than the diameter of the proximal opening 24 in theproximal end 22, but smaller than the diameter of the distal opening 71in the distal end 21. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distalopenings 71 in the distal end 21 are wider than the diameter of theproximal openings 24 in the proximal end 22 such that an affixed cablestop 61 secures the loose ends 31, 32 in the detangling connector 20 bypreventing the loose ends 31, 32 of the looped connector 30 from beingable to move from the distal end 21 to the proximal end 22.

FIG. 6C depicts an embodiment wherein the fastening means is a singlecable stop 61 that is affixed to both loose ends 31, 32 of the loopedconnector 30. FIG. 6D depicts an embodiment wherein the detanglingconnector 20 includes two proximal openings 24 in the proximal end 22and a single distal opening 71 in the distal end 21. The diameter of thedistal opening 71 in the distal end 21 is bigger than the diameter ofthe proximal opening 24 in the proximal end 22. The cable stop 61creates a diameter around the loose ends 31, 32 that is larger than thediameter of the proximal opening 24 in the proximal end 22, but smallerthan the diameter of the distal opening 71 in the distal end 21. Thelooped connector 30 is secured to the detangling connector 20 by housingthe loose ends 31, 31 in the proximal openings 24, 71 of the detanglingconnector 20 and by affixing a single cable stop 61 to both loose ends31, 32 in combination. The smaller diameter of the proximal openings inthe proximal end 22 and the cable stop 61 prevents the loose ends 31, 32from being drawn through the distal opening 71 towards the proximal end22 of the detangling connector 20.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict embodiments wherein the detangling connector 20includes a single proximal opening 24 in the proximal end 22, two distalopenings 71 in the distal end and conduit(s) 72 connecting proximalopening 24 and distal openings 71. The diameter of distal opening 71 islarger than the diameter of proximal opening 24. The fastening means isa cable stop 61. A cable stop 61 is individually and separately affixedto each loose end 31, 32 of the looped connector 30 such that the looseends 31, 32 can be pulled into the distal openings 71 but cannot bepulled through the proximal opening 24.

FIGS. 8A-8F depict embodiments wherein the detangling connector 20includes a single proximal opening 24 in the proximal end 22, a singledistal opening 71 in the distal end 21 and conduit(s) 72 connecting theproximal opening 24 and the distal opening 71. The diameter of distalopening 71 is larger than the diameter of proximal opening 24. Thefastening means is a cable stop 61. A cable stop 61 is affixed to bothloose ends 31, 32, in combination, of the looped connector 30 such thatthe loose ends 31, 32 can be pulled into the distal openings 71 butcannot be pulled through the proximal opening 24.

FIGS. 9A-9C depict embodiments wherein the looped connector 30 issecured to the detangling connector 20 by a fastening means whichincludes interlockable male 201 and female 202 pin-snaps. The detanglingconnector 20 includes two proximal openings 24 in the proximal end 22that extends towards the distal end 21. FIG. 9A depicts an exploded viewof the detangling connector 20 wherein the male 201 and female 202pin-snaps are depicted. The loose ends 31, 32 of the looped connector 30are housed in the proximal openings 24 of the detangling connector 20and are secured therein by interlocking the male 201 and female 202pin-snaps such that the loose ends 31, 32 is held in place inside thedetangling connector as depicted in FIG. 9B and 9C.

FIGS. 10A-10D depict another embodiment of the detangling connector 20.The detangling connector includes two distal openings 71 in the distalend 21 and two proximal openings 24 in the proximal end 22. The distalopenings 71 in the distal end 21 extends toward the proximal end 22. Theproximal openings 24 in the proximal end 22 extends toward the distalend 21. Common conduit(s) 72 connect proximal openings 24 and distalopenings 71. Unlike previously described embodiments, the conduit(s) 72in the present embodiment are only partially enclosed. As such thefastening means could include simply snapping the loose ends 31, 32 ofthe looped connector 30 into the openings 24, 71 and conduit(s) 72. Insome embodiments, the diameter of the distal openings 71 is wider thanthe diameter of the proximal openings 24. In some embodiments, the looseends 31, 32 are affixed, either separately or in combination, with cablestops such that they may be housed in the distal openings 71 in thedistal end 21 but could not be pulled through proximal openings 24 inthe proximal end 22.

In some embodiments, the fastening means is a combination of any of thefastening means described herein. For example the fastening means mayinclude glues or other adhesives, pin-snaps, cable stops, reducing thediameter of the detangling connector or the diameter of the openings inthe detangling connector. Other fastening means are also contemplatedand are included in the present invention. Such additional fasteningmeans may be individually, or in combination, applied to the axially andradially swivelable detangling connector devices of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 11A-11C depict three separate views of the endcap 13 and exemplarydimensions thereof. The depicted endcap 13 provides an embodimentwherein the endcap includes a first opening 16 and a second opening 17.In the present invention, opening 16 is used to house and secure adetangling connector. Opening 17 is used to house and secure anentangleable connector. Opening 17 includes a fastening means 18 forsecuring the entangleable connector to the endcap.

FIGS. 12A-12C depict three separate views of an embodiment of theaxially and radially swivelable detangling connector device andexemplary dimensions thereof. The depicted device 300 provides anembodiment wherein the endcap 13 includes a first opening 16 and asecond opening 17. In the present invention, opening 16 is used to houseand secure a detangling connector 20. Opening 17 is used to house andsecure an entangleable connector. Opening 17 includes a fastening meansfor securing the entangleable connector to the endcap.

FIGS. 13A-13C depict an embodiment of an endcap 330 defining an opening331 and a handle portion 332 opposing the opening 331. Handle portion332 includes openings 333 defined by the handle portion for receiving ahandle.

FIGS. 14A-14C depict the endcap 330 with a handle 334. Endcap 330comprises any suitable composition and may include aluminum, steel,plastic or any combination thereof. The shape of the endcap 330 may befurther varied as desired. Opening 331, in some embodiments comprises arigid material. In embodiments where the detangling connector is atleast partially cylindrical, it is contemplated and included in thepresent invention that the opening 331 comprises a malleable material.In application, the malleable material may be deformed to allow thedetangling connector to swivel axially. In all embodiments, thedetangling connector is at least axially and radially swivelable.

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of an axially and radially swivelabledetangling connector device 340 of the present invention. The deviceincludes an entangleable connector 341, an endcap 13, a detanglingconnector 20 and a looped connector 30. The endcap includes an opening16 for housing and securing the detangling connector 20 and includesopening 17 for housing and securing an entangleable connector 341. Asdepicted, the looped connector 30 allows for easy and flexibleattachment to various accessories without the need for otherapplication-specific fastening means such as bolts and the like. Forexample, the looped connector may be easily attached to a carabiner 342or dog collar or another connector device as presented herein.

FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of an axially and radially swivelabledetangling connector device 350 of the present invention. The deviceincludes an entangleable connector 351, an endcap 330, a detanglingconnector 20 and a looped connector 30. The endcap includes an opening331 for housing and securing the detangling connector 20 a handleportion 332 to which an entangleable connector 351 may be attached. Asdepicted the looped connector 30 allows for easy and flexible attachmentto various accessories without the need for other application-specificfastening means such as bolts and the like. For example, the loopedconnector may be easily attached to a carabiner 342 or dog collar oranother connector device as presented herein.

Method of Making

In another aspect of the present invention, methods are provided formaking the devices disclosed herein. The present methods include stepsfor the preparation of axially and radially swivelable connectordevices.

In certain embodiments, the method includes provision or formation of adetangling connector, a looped connector, an endcap and formation of anaxially and radially swivelable connector device by combining theendcap, the looped connector and the detangling connector.

In preparing an axially and radially swivelable detangling connectordevice, the steps can include forming openings into the detanglingconnector such that openings are communicated from a proximal end of thedetangling connector towards a distal end such that distal openings inthe distal end have a common conduit with the proximal openings in theproximal end. The steps can also include inserting at least two looseends of a looped connector into the holes in the proximal end. The stepsalso include applying a fastening means to the detangling connector suchthat the detangling connector is fastened around the loose ends of thelooped connector.

In optional or additional steps, the looped connector connected to thedetangling connector is secured to an endcap by housing at least adistal end of the detangling connector in a first opening of the endcap.

In forming the detangling connector, the method can include the step offorming a spherical or cylindrical part. In some embodiments, thedetangling connector is a ball joint that is spherical, for example. Inother embodiments the detangling connector is a cylindrical part havinga flat top and a flat bottom or both and the section between the top andbottom have equal diameter to the top and bottom. In other embodiments,the detangling connector is both cylindrical and spherical in that itcomprises a flat top, a flat bottom or both while the section betweenthe top and bottom are spherical and has a diameter that is wider thanthe diameter at the top or bottom. In other embodiments, the detanglingconnector is otherwise spherical but includes a flat bottom, a flat topor both. The detangling connector can be formed from aluminum, steel,plastic or any combination thereof. In forming the detangling connector,an injection molding processes can be applied. The mold includes shapesand sizes as desired to form a spherical, cylindrical or combination ofshapes.

The mold, in some embodiments further includes shapes for the formationof openings in a distal end, a proximal end or both of the detanglingconnector. In some embodiments the mold includes shapes for preparingone distal opening in the distal end of the detangling connection andone proximal opening in the proximal end such that a common conduitconnects the distal openings in the distal end with the proximalopenings in the proximal end. In other embodiments the mold includesshapes such that the number of distal openings in the distal end areless than, greater than or equivalent to the number proximal openings inthe proximal end.

In other embodiments, the detangling connector is molded withoutopenings and the desired openings are subsequently drilled into themolded detangling connector. In some embodiments the detanglingconnector a single distal opening is drilled into the distal end of thedetangling connection and one proximal opening is drilled into theproximal end such that a common conduit connects the distal openings inthe distal end with the proximal openings in the proximal end. In otherembodiments a number of openings are drilled into the molded detanglingconnector such that the number of distal openings in the distal end areless than, greater than or equivalent to the number proximal openings inthe proximal end.

The detangling connector, in some embodiments, is molded to include maleand female pin-snaps to secure the detangling connector around loopedconnector.

The looped connector may be formed from any material which allows theloose ends of the looped connector to be placed within the openings ofthe detangling connector such that a loop is formed. In otherembodiments, the looped connector may be already in a looped shape. Inpreferred embodiments, the looped connector, is flexible such that itmay be easily attached to an accessory. For example the flexibility ofthe looped connector allows the looped connector to be tied to a subjector object or to an accessory already attached to the subject or object.For instance, the looped connector may be tied to a dog collar, a boator other mobile objects or subjects.

In other embodiments, the looped connector is rigid and is already inthe shape of a loop and includes loose ends that can be housed andsecured within the openings of the detangling connector. In heavy dutycommercial applications, such an embodiment may be most suitable.

The looped connector is secured to the detangling connector by afastening means. The fastening means may include reducing the diameterof the openings around the loose ends of the looped connector. In someembodiments, the diameter is reduced by applying a crimping pressure tothe detangling connector such that the diameter of the detanglingconnector or the diameter of the openings are reduced. In otherembodiments, the looped connector is secured by applying cable stops tothe loose ends of the looped connector and having the diameter of thedistal openings in the distal end of the detangling connector largerthan the diameter in the proximal end. As such, the loose ends affixedwith cable stops have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter ofthe distal openings in the distal end of the detangling connector butlarger than the proximal opening(s) in the proximal end of thedetangling connector. This allows the loose ends to be housed within thedistal openings of the distal end of the detangling connector butprohibits the loose ends from being pulled through the proximal openingsin the proximal end.

The looped connector can be formed of PU coated wire(s), polymers, orany combinations thereof.

The endcap may be formed of aluminum, steel or plastic as desired inview of the intended application. In applications where the subject orobject to be controlled is heavy, it may be preferable to use steel orother industrially applicable components in all of the parts of thepresent invention including the looped connector, the detanglingconnector and the endcap. In some embodiments, the endcap includes afirst opening. In other embodiments, the endcap also includes a secondopening or a handle portion that is situated opposite to the firstopening. The second opening is formed such that an end portion of anentangleable connector may be housed and secured therein. Entangleableconnectors include leases, ropes, chains and wires for example.

The first opening in the first portion of the endcap is fashioned suchthat it is suitable for housing and securing the detangling connector.In certain embodiments, this first opening includes a spherical orcylindrical space for holding the detangling connector. The detanglingconnector may be a ball joint. The first opening allows the detanglingconnector to swivel axially and radially such that any attachedentangleable connector will not be entangled, or if entangled will bedetangled. The second opening may include a fastening device forsecuring an entangleable connector. The fastening device or fasteningmeans may be screws, bolts, glue or any combination thereof.

Method of Using

The devices of the present invention are suitable for use in domestic,commercial and industrial applications where a mobile object or subjectis to be controlled. In such instances, the present devices can beemployed as a connector device between a first object or to becontrolled and the a second object or subject that is being used tocontrol the first object or subject. Fore instance in cases where a petis attached to a leash, the mobile pet will cause the leash to beentangled. The present devices allows the pet and its owner to moveabout without the leash becoming entangled.

The flexible looped connector can e.g., be connected to a leash and/ortied to the collar of the pet and the second opening of the endcap ofthe device used to house an end portion of the leash. Movement by thepet or the pet's controller, does not entangle the leash because theleash may swivel axially or radially. In swiveling axially, motion bythe pet can swivel the detangling connector housed in the first openingof the endcap. The ability for the detangling connector to swivel bothaxially and radially prevents the leash from becoming lodged andtwisted. In the event that a leash becomes twisted, the entangled leashcan be detangled by simply pulling on the leash which will swivel bothaxially and radially to clear the entanglement.

The present devices may be applied to other domestic or commercialscenarios. It is contemplated that the present devices can be adjustedin size and scope to be applied to boating, shipping, transportation,sailing and other applications.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An axially and radially swivelabledetangling connector device comprising: a spheroidally shaped connectortwo proximal openings defined by a proximal end of the spheroidallyshaped connector and extending towards a distal end of the spheroidallyshaped connector two distal openings defined by a distal end of thespheroidally shaped connector and extending towards the proximal end ofthe spheroidally shaped connector, a common conduit connecting thedistal and proximal openings, a looped connector having two ends, thetwo ends being housed and secured within the proximal and distalopenings of the spheroidally shaped connector such that a loop is formedadjacent to the proximal end of the spheroidally shaped connector; andan endcap comprising a first opening for receiving and housing a distalend of the spheroidally shaped connector; and a handle or second openingdefined by the endcap for receiving and securing an end portion of aleash.
 2. A method of preparing an axially and radially swivelabledetangling connector device, comprising the steps of: providing aspheroidally shaped connector having two distal openings defined by adistal end of the spheroidally shaped connector, two proximal openingsdefined by a proximal end of the spheroidally shaped connector and acommon conduit connecting the proximal and distal openings; providing alooped connector having two ends and inserting the two ends of a loopedconnector into the proximal openings of the spheroidally shapedconnector such that a loop is formed adjacent to the proximal end of thespheroidally shaped connector; providing an endcap comprising a firstopening for receiving and housing a distal end of the spheroidallyshaped connector and a handle or second opening defined by the endcapfor receiving and securing an end portion of a leash; applying fasteningmeans to the spheroidally shaped connector such that the ends of thelooped connector are housed and secured within the spheroidally shapedconnector; and securing and housing the distal end of the spheroidallyshaped connector into the first opening of the endcap.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the fastening means comprises reducing the diameter ofthe openings defined by the spheroidally shaped connector around theends of the looped connector.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein thefastening means comprises interlocking male and female pin-snaps forsecuring the end of the looped connector into the openings defined bythe spheroidally shaped connector.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein thespheroidally shaped connector and the openings defined by thespheroidally shaped connector are formed by injection molding.
 6. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the spheroidally shaped connector is formedby injection molding and the openings defined by the spheroidally shapedconnector are formed by drilling.